By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
The Mumbai Crime Branch has busted an illegal call centre in Goregaon East that was duping US citizens through phishing emails and fraudulent service calls. Thirteen people, including two alleged owners, a manager, and ten telecaller agents, were arrested during the late-night raid.
According to officials, the racket involved impersonating leading antivirus companies such as Geeksquad and McAfee. Victims were sent emails warning them about software subscription renewals, with toll-free numbers directing them to the call centre. Once connected, the telecallers convinced the victims that money had already been debited from their accounts. To secure a refund, they were asked to buy gift cards worth between 250 and 500 US dollars. The scammers then converted these cards into cryptocurrency.
The raid was conducted at flats 704 and 705 of the Vihan Commercial Complex on Walbhat Road. Police seized 15 computers, 10 laptops, 20 mobile phones, and other equipment used in the fraud. Investigators are now probing the total amount siphoned off and whether the group was connected to larger international networks.
A senior crime branch officer said, “This case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber frauds. Our teams acted on specific intelligence and ensured swift action. We are committed to curbing such crimes and protecting citizens from digital exploitation.”
The accused have been booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and forgery, as well as the Information Technology Act and Telecommunications Act. Authorities have also urged citizens, particularly overseas, to stay alert against unsolicited emails and suspicious service calls.
With cyber-enabled scams on the rise, officials believe this crackdown sends a strong message that Mumbai Police will not tolerate such illegal operations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
